YOUTHMINISTERMAN'S RAMBLINGS - Speaking out on issues that mean something to me, a guy who longs to live a life worthy of the calling of Christ! Come read a spell and email me if you have comments!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Three Years Seems Like Yesterday and Forever Ago At The Same Time

Jasper Speaks:

Today marks three years since my mother was "promoted to glory". It is hard to believe. It is odd how your emotions change. It has only been three years but I can now speak about her without always tearing up. She meant a lot to me. I was such a "Mama's boy". Still, I know that she would be proud of the things that have occurred in my life since her death. It is hard still, not to be able to share in joys and sorrows with her.

God blessed me with Christian, loving parents. As I work with teens everyday, I am reminded that not everyone is shown such grace. So many kids hurt because of the actions of their parents. Although my parents weren't perfect, they taught me how to love and be loved. I am a better husband, father, brother and friend because of the investment they made in me.

Today, I prayed that God would remind me of the hope of being with mom for eternity. Sometimes, in grief that is hard to remember. I heard Steven Curtis Chapman say that if we really believe in eternal life our loved ones who have died in Christ are much more a part of our future than our past. I find comfort in those words today.

I miss you mom. I love you. Thanks for leading me to Christ and then showing me how to live like Him.

Donna Rains

Donna Louise (Baugh) Rains was born Thursday, August 11, 1932, and was promoted to glory on Saturday, January 26, 2008. She was joined in marriage with Allie T. Rains on February 5, 1953. Dear mother of Tom (Cathy) Rains of Quincy, Illinois, Pattie (Mike) Hanna of St. Louis, Missouri, Kathryn (Tom) Phillips of Wright City, Missouri, Darla (Fred) Shular of St. Clair, Missouri and Jasper (Kendra) Rains of Ellisville, Missouri; dear grandmother of 7 as well as 5 grandchildren who preceded her in death; dear great-grandmother of two; dear sister of Harold (Aleene) Baugh. Our dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. Along with her husband, Mrs. Rains served the Grace Baptist Church in faithful ministry for 47 years and continued to be a member there until her passing. Her life affected many and she was well known as a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Facing The Giants, Star Wars Trilogy, Steel Magnolias, Never Been Kissed, X-Men 1 & 2, Without A Paddle, Rogue One, Chariots of Fire, End of The Spear, Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, Braveheart, T2, To Save A Life

Quotes I Speak From Famous and Not So Famous Things

"No day but today!""Everything that is awesome is God and everything that is God is awesome!" - James MacDonald"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to proser you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!'"-Jeremiah 29:11"A thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I come to give you life; a real and better life than you have ever dreamed of." - John 10:10"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8